Arsenal – Newcastle 29.12.2012

Arsenal – Newcastle: Arsenal are coming from three consecutive wins, while Newcastle are coming from a 3-4 defeat at the Old Trafford against United.

Arsenal have not been spectacular in their last few games, with the exception of their 5-2 win at Reading, but they have managed to claim the points of victory, both against West Bromwich at home and Wigan on the road. Wigan away was actually their last league game. The Gunners get less ball possession than their opponents but had more shots on target. However, it was Arteta who managed to score from the penalty spot on the 60th minute and gave them all three points. The good news for manager Arsene Wenger is that the list of absentees has way less players than a few weeks ago with Santos, Diaby and Fabianski the only players missing this upcoming match.

Necwastle on the other hand had a brilliant game at the Old Trafford againdt United. They took the lead three times, but failed to get even a single point, as van Persie on the 71st minute made the score 3-3 and Hernandez on the 90th minute scored the 4th for United in a game that finished 4-3! The good news for the visitors’ manager, A. Pardrew, though is the performance of striker D. Ba and P. Cisse who seem to be in superb form.

Neither Arsenal nor Newcastle are defensive minded teams. They both have attacking flair and score many goals, something to be expected to happen in today’s match as well.